What is Shipboard anime?

Beam me up, Scotty! Space stations (think Death Star) also count. Basically, this category is to tell if the setting takes place onboard a spaceship in space. This category is not applicable if the spaceship lies on a planet and never actually gets into space.

Trending Shipboard Anime You might like

Cowboy Bebop

(Cowboy Bebop)

8.22

Description:

In the year 2071, humanity has colonized several of the planets and moons of the solar system leaving the now uninhabitable surface of planet Earth behind. The Inter Solar System Police attempts to keep peace in the galaxy, aided in part by outlaw bounty hunters, referred to as "Cowboys". The ragtag team aboard the spaceship Bebop are two such individuals. Mellow and carefree Spike Spiegel is balanced by his boisterous, pragmatic partner Jet Black as the pair makes a living chasing bounties and collecting rewards. Thrown off course by the addition of new members that they meet in their travels—Ein, a genetically engineered, highly intelligent Welsh Corgi; femme fatale Faye Valentine, an enigmatic trickster with memory loss; and the strange computer whiz kid Edward Wong—the crew embarks on thrilling adventures that unravel each member's dark and mysterious past little by little. Well-balanced with high density action and light-hearted comedy, Cowboy Bebop is a space Western classic and an homage to the smooth and improvised music it is named after. (Source: MAL Rewrite)
Type

TV

Episodes

26

Ep.Length

25 Min

Rating

17+ (violence & profanity)

Status

finished

Aired

1998-04-03

Legend of the Galactic Heroes

(Legend of the Galactic Heroes)

8.16

Description:

For 150 years the galaxy has been locked in an interstellar war between the Galactic Empire and the Free Planets Alliance, fighting battles with thousands of spaceships and millions of soldiers on both sides. The crumbling Goldenbaum dynasty rules the Empire while the Alliance is in an increasingly dysfunctional democratic state. Two new commanders enter the stage: Imperial Admiral Reinhard von Lohengramm and the FPA's Yang Wen-Li. Reinhard is a talented minor aristocrat given a high station—and a powerful grudge—after the Kaiser took his older sister as a concubine. Wen-Li originally joined the military only to fund his university education, but has become a brilliant though reluctant leader. Each begins to attract a circle of similarly gifted soldiers, generals and thinkers around him, and in time the rivalry between these two very different men will shatter the existing stalemate. As they deal with superiors and subordinates, maneuver through personal and political problems, plot strategies and fight battles, both will bend the course of events to their will and, in turn, be tested and changed by the greatest war in human history! Legend of the Galactic Heroes is a vast, sentimental and thoughtful military space opera. This 110-episode OVA is the central part of the franchise, and the other connected titles are supplements to it.
Type

OVA

Episodes

110

Ep.Length

26 Min

Rating

17+ (violence & profanity)

Status

finished

Aired

1988-01-08

Space☆Dandy 2nd Season

(Space Dandy 2nd Season)

8.07

Description:

Second season of Space Dandy. Space Dandy is a dandy guy, in space! This dreamy adventurer with a to-die-for pompadour travels across the galaxy in search of aliens no one has ever laid eyes on. Each new species he discovers earns him a hefty reward, but this dandy has to be quick on his feet because it's first come, first served! Accompanied by his sidekicks, a rundown robot named QT and Meow the cat-looking space alien, Dandy bravely explores unknown worlds inhabited by a variety of aliens. Join the best dressed alien hunter in all of space and time as he embarks on an adventure that ends at the edge of the universe! (Source: Bandai Visual)
Type

TV

Episodes

13

Ep.Length

24 Min

Rating

Teens 13 or older

Status

finished

Aired

2014-07-06

Planetes

(Planetes)

8.05

Description:

In 2075, space travel is no longer just a dream, but an everyday reality for mankind. Advancements in science and technology have led to the colonization of the moon, the commercialization of outer space, and the formation of large space corporations. Ai Tanabe, an upbeat woman whose interests lie in the cosmos, joins Technora Corporation as a member of their Debris Section, a department dedicated to the removal of dangerous space junk between the orbits of the Earth and Moon. However, Ai soon discovers how unappreciated her job is. As the laughingstock of Technora, the Debris Section is severely understaffed, poorly funded, and is forced to use a dilapidated spaceship nicknamed the "Toy Box" for debris retrieval. Undeterred, Ai perseveres and gradually becomes acquainted with the strange personalities that make up the Debris Section's staff, such as the bumbling but good-natured chief clerk Philippe Myers; the mysterious and tight-lipped temp worker Edelgard Rivera; and the hotheaded and passionate Hachirota Hoshino, who longs for a spaceship to call his own. Winner of the Seiun Award in 2005, Planetes is an unconventional sci-fi series that portrays the vastness of space as a backdrop for the personal lives of ordinary people—people who may have been born on Earth, but whose hopes and dreams lie amongst the stars. [Written by MAL Rewrite]
Type

TV

Episodes

26

Ep.Length

25 Min

Rating

Teens 13 or older

Status

finished

Aired

2003-10-04

Uchuu Senkan Yamato 2199

(Space Battleship Yamato 2199)

8.02

Description:

In the year 2199, Earth faces its greatest crisis. Due to unrelenting bombings by the alien race known as "Gamilas," the planet can no longer sustain its inhabitants. In exactly one year, humanity is set to become extinct. In desperation, the people of Earth establish the Earth Defense Force, their last defense against the power-hungry Gamilas Empire. However, humanity finds a glimmer of hope after receiving a message from the mysterious planet Iscandar, which offers them a device that would restore Earth to its former glory. With salvation in sight, the Earth Defense Force calls on the prolific Space Battleship Yamato and swiftly assembles a crew to make the 148,000 light-year trek to Iscandar and receive their aid. Among the crew are young officers Susumu Kodai and Daisuke Shima, along with several other newly promoted leaders, all under the command of the distinguished Captain Juuzou Okita. Forced to learn how to handle the ship's innovative technology while dealing with the onslaught of Gamilas fleets, the inexperienced cast of Uchuu Senkan Yamato 2199 must summon every inch of their resolve to survive the many hardships aboard the Yamato and complete their mission: to save humanity before it's too late. (Source: MAL)
Type

OVA

Episodes

26

Ep.Length

25 Min

Rating

Teens 13 or older

Status

finished

Aired

2012-05-25

Kidou Senshi Gundam: Tekketsu no Orphans 2

(Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans 2)

8.01

Description:

Second season of Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans. Learning about the world from her journey to Earth, Kudelia founded Admoss Company to strive for the financial independence of Mars. While inspecting a mining site of halfmetal, Orga Itsuka, leader of Tekkadan hired by Admoss as guards, senses an attack from a new enemy and heads out to confront them, along with Mikazuki in the mobile suit Gundam Barbatos Lupus. (Source: Anime News Network)
Type

TV

Episodes

25

Ep.Length

24 Min

Rating

Violence, Profanity

Status

finished

Aired

2016-10-02

Kanata no Astra

(ASTRA LOST IN SPACE)

7.98

Description:

In the year 2063, eight high school students and a kid are flown out to Planet Camp, tasked with surviving on their own for a few days. But shortly after arriving, an ominous glowing orb warps them to an unknown quadrant of space, nearly 5,012 light years away. Now, the only way back home is a slow, dangerous trek across the universe—a journey that’ll test them in ways Planet Camp never could. (Source: Funimation)
Type

TV

Episodes

12

Ep.Length

24 Min

Rating

Teens 13 or older

Status

finished

Aired

2019-07-03

Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans

(Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans)

7.89

Description:

300 years after a great conflict between Earth and Mars known as the "Calamity War," a woman named Kudelia sets out on a journey to Earth to speak for the independence of the Martian city of Chryse, which is under the control of the Earth government. Escorting her is the private security company CGS members Mikazuki Augus and Orga Itsuka. When a group named Gjallarhorn attacks CGS and Kudelia, Orga sees this as a chance to rebel against CGS and launch a coup. Mikazuki and Orga are thrust into a new conflict. To fend off Gjallarhorn, Mikazuki rides an old mobile suit from the Calamity War, powered by a nuclear reactor, the Gundam Barbatos. (Source: Anime News Network)
Type

TV

Episodes

25

Ep.Length

24 Min

Rating

Violence, Profanity

Status

finished

Aired

2015-10-04

Ginga Eiyuu Densetsu: Die Neue These - Sakubou

(Legend of the Galactic Heroes: Die Neue These - Intrigue)

7.85

Description:

The social and political reforms implemented by Reinhard are finding growing consensus among the citizens of the Galactic Empire. Meanwhile, the Free Planets Alliance is experiencing a declining phase, its national power weakened significantly due to widespread government corruption, despite military success has been achieved on the battlefields. As the balance of power between the two super states dominating the Galaxy is clearly undergoing a major shift, Adrian Rubinsky, the Landesherr of the autonomous and nominally neutral dominion of Fezzan, sees an opportunity to take advantage from the situation. (Source: Production I.G)
Type

TV

Episodes

12

Ep.Length

25 Min

Rating

Teens 13 or Older

Status

finished

Aired

2022-09-30

Interstella5555: The 5tory of The 5ecret 5tar 5ystem

7.88

Description:

This music video is the visual realization of "Discovery", an album by Daft Punk. It tells the story of a band of four extraterrestrial musicians who are kidnapped and brought back to Earth by an evil manager. Their only hopes lie with a space pilot from their home planet who, after receiving a distress call broadcasted during the abduction, seeks out to rescue them.
Type

music

Episodes

1

Ep.Length

67 Min

Rating

All Ages

Status

finished

Aired

2003-12-01

Ginga Eiyuu Densetsu: Die Neue These - Gekitotsu

(Legend of the Galactic Heroes: Die Neue These - Clash)

7.93

Description:

Continuation of the Ginga Eiyuu Densetsu: Die Neue These series.
Type

TV

Episodes

12

Ep.Length

25 Min

Rating

violence & profanity

Status

finished

Aired

2022-03-17

Ginga Eiyuu Densetsu: Arata Naru Tatakai no Overture

(Legend of the Galactic Heroes: Overture to a New War)

7.88

Description:

Based on a series of sci-fi novels, this series tells the story of a massive conflict between the Prussia-like Galactic Empire and the Free Planets Alliance. It describes all levels of the war, from the tactical to the strategic, but focuses most on the two opposing militaries' leaders: Reinhard Von Lohengramm and Yang Wen-Li. (Source: AniDB)
Type

movie

Episodes

1

Ep.Length

90 Min

Rating

Teens 13 or older

Status

finished

Aired

1993-12-18

Seihou Bukyou Outlaw Star

(Outlaw Star)

7.87

Description:

Gene Starwind has always dreamed of piloting his own ship out into the vast sea of stars. Unfortunately, not all dreams come true, as he spends his days working odd jobs alongside his partner, James Hawking, on the small planet Sentinel III instead. However, this all takes a turn when the duo takes on a job from Rachel Sweet who, unbeknownst to them, is actually a treasure-hunting outlaw. Tasked with protecting a mysterious girl known as Melfina, the meeting irrevocably changes the pair's lives as they are sent out into the great unknown aboard the highly advanced ship, Outlaw Star.Seihou Bukyou Outlaw Star follows Gene and his ragtag crew as they brave the final frontier, navigating the stars in search of answers to the mysteries surrounding Melfina. Encountering dangerous bounty hunters, space pirates, Taoist mages, and even catgirls, there is sure to be an exhilarating adventure around every corner. [Written by MAL Rewrite]
Type

TV

Episodes

24

Ep.Length

25 Min

Rating

Mild Nudity

Status

finished

Aired

1998-01-09

Terra e... (TV)

7.85

Description:

In the future, humans are living on colonized planets and are controlled in every aspect of their life by a system of computers. Evolution has resulted in the birth of people with extraordinary powers. This new race is called Mu. Hated and feared by the humans, the Mu dream of a place to live in peace: Earth—a mystical far away planet—for humanity had to leave their home long ago as pollution and destruction increased and made it impossible to stay there any longer. Jomy is a boy excitedly awaiting his birthday, the day he will enter the world of adults. Yet he knows nothing about the unknown powers sleeping in him and the shared dream of returning to Earth one day.
Type

TV

Episodes

24

Ep.Length

24 Min

Rating

Teens 13 or older

Status

finished

Aired

2007-04-07

Top wo Nerae! Gunbuster

(Gunbuster)

7.84

Description:

In the near future, humanity has taken its first steps towards journeying into the far reaches of the galaxy. Upon doing so they discover a huge race of insectoid aliens known as “Space Monsters.” These aliens seem dedicated to the eradication of mankind as they near closer and closer to discovering Earth. In response, humanity develops giant fighting robots piloted by hand-picked youth from around the world. Shortly after the discovery of the aliens, Noriko Takaya, the daughter of a famous deceased space captain, enters a training school despite her questionable talents as a pilot. There, she meets her polar opposite, the beautiful and talented Kazumi Amano, and is unexpectedly made to work together with her as they attempt to overcome the trauma of war as well as their own emotions. [Written by MAL Rewrite]
Type

OVA

Episodes

6

Ep.Length

30 Min

Rating

Mild Nudity

Status

finished

Aired

1988-10-07

Ginga Eiyuu Densetsu: Die Neue These Seiran 3

(The Legend of the Galactic Heroes The New Thesis Stellar War Part 3)

7.85

Description:

Part 3 of the second season of Legend of the Galactic Heroes Die Neue These.
Type

movie

Episodes

4

Ep.Length

25 Min

Rating

Teens 13 or Older

Status

finished

Aired

2019-11-29

Macross

(Macross)

7.82

Description:

After a mysterious spaceship crashes into Earth, humanity realizes that they are not alone. Fearing a potential threat from space, the world pushes aside their nationalism, conflicting interests, and cultural differences, unifying under the banner of the United Nations. The newly formed UN forces decide to repurpose the alien spacecraft, naming it SDF-1 Macross. Unfortunately, on the day of its maiden voyage, a fleet of spaceships belonging to a race of aliens known as Zentradi descend upon Earth, and the SDF-1 Macross, acting of its own accord, shoots down the incoming squadron, sparking an intergalactic war. In an attempt to escape, the Macross tries to launch itself into the Moon's orbit, but the ship—as well as the city was in—is teleported to the far reaches of space. Caught up in the mess are Hikaru Ichijou, a free-spirited acrobatic pilot, and Minmay Lynn, an aspiring idol. Together, alongside Macross's bridge officer Misa Hayase, they experience an epic journey rife with grief and drama as they begin their trek back to Earth, facing with the cruelties of war along the way. [Written by MAL Rewrite]
Type

TV

Episodes

36

Ep.Length

26 Min

Rating

Teens 13 or older

Status

finished

Aired

1982-10-03

Macross: Do You Remember Love?

(Macross: Do You Remember Love?)

7.81

Description:

A.D. 2009. The human race is in the middle of a three-way war with a race of giant humanoid aliens called the Zentraedi (male) and Meltrandi (female). After executing a space fold that sent it and part of South Atalia Island to the edge of the Solar System, the space fortress Macross is on its way back to Earth. During a small skirmish with Zentraedi forces, young pilot Hikaru Ichijo rescues idol singer Lynn Minmay and their relationship develops as they're stranded somewhere within the ship. But shortly after returning to Macross City, Minmay is captured by the Zentraedi, and Hikaru and female officer Misa Hayase end up back on Earth—only to view the aftermath of the destruction of their civilization. Only a song discovered eons ago—along with Minmay's voice—can determine the outcome of the war. (Source: ANN)
Type

movie

Episodes

1

Ep.Length

115 Min

Rating

17+ (violence & profanity)

Status

finished

Aired

1984-07-07

Seikai no Senki II

(Banner of the Stars II)

7.82

Description:

Due to a lack of ambassadors for the recently-conquered worlds the rapidly advancing fleet of the Bebaus brothers leave behind, Lafiel is appointed Territorial Ambassador of the planet Lobnas II. Upon arriving to the planet Jinto and Lafiel discover that the planet was used by the United Mankind as a prison planet and now has a million prisoners on the only inhabited island. The prisoners are parted in three blocks. The western where women are housed, the eastern belongs to the men and the central is mixed under the restriction that all prisoners living there are sterilized. The women in the western sector want to emigrate from the planet of fear for the men and when they do the men in the east rebel, overthrowing the guards and capturing Jinto to try to stop the emigration of the women. At the same time an enemy fleet heads toward the system forcing Lafiel to abandon Jinto. (Source: ANN)
Type

TV

Episodes

10

Ep.Length

25 Min

Rating

Teens 13 or older

Status

finished

Aired

2001-07-11

Space☆Dandy

(Space Dandy)

7.81

Description:

The universe is a mysterious and strange place, full of even stranger and more mysterious aliens. Dandy's job is to hunt down unclassified aliens and register them for a reward. It sounds easy enough, but something weird always seems to happen along the way, like chance meetings with zombies, mystical ramen chefs, and adorable orphans. Hunting down aliens may not be easy, but it's definitely never boring. With the help of his sidekicks, the adorable robot vacuum QT and cat-like alien Meow, and his slightly-used ship the Aloha Oe, Dandy roams the galaxy searching for new alien species. What he usually finds, however, is adventure, danger, and romance, and no two journeys (or universes) are ever the same. This is Space☆Dandy, baby!
Type

TV

Episodes

13

Ep.Length

24 Min

Rating

Teens 13 or older

Status

finished

Aired

2014-01-05

Scroll to top ↑